Frequently asked questions

• When can my child start attending the group and how many sessions should they have?

  We take children from the age of 2 1/2 years. Please contact us to arrange a visit and discuss availability of days.We do not tell you how many sessions your child should have as we consider you as the child's primary carer and teacher. We will discuss this matter with you as each child is individual and what suits one will not suit another.

• Do you accept children who are not toilet trained?

  Yes - under Anti discriminatory regulations this can no longer be considered as a reason for not accepting a child into the group. We would request that whilst your child is toilet training a bag containing a change of clothing plus nappies and wipes is left on their coat peg.

• Do the children receive funding?

  Children are funded by the Government through Bromley Early Years in the term after their third birthday. All you need to do is supply a copy of your child's birth certificate when they join and we do the rest. All children are entitled to 15 hours of funding a week (5 sessions) from the term after their third birthday.

• Do you accept child credits?

  Yes - we are registered to receive these credits so your child's fees can be taken straight from your Employer.

• Do you supply drinks?

  Yes - Our milk bar is open from 9.15am to 10.30am when the children can have milk or water, and a healthy snack. Water is available throughout the morning.

• Do the children play outside?

  Yes - we have a secure outside area adjacent to the building and children play outside everyday.

• What clothing should my child wear?

  Children love to get messy with paint, play dough, glue, water etc so clothes that are not too new and are easily washable are best! Simple clothing that your child is able to manage themselves encourages independence and makes it easier for them when requiring the toilet - dungarees and trousers that have belts are too difficult for a child to remove when they need the toilet. Leggings or tracksuit bottoms are ideal. Long flowy skirts prevent children from taking part in physical activities e.g. using the climbing frame, riding a bike etc.

  For safety reasons jewellery should not be worn as it could get caught in equipment.

  Please ensure adequate outdoor clothing is provided and that clothing is labelled, particularly coats and hats as your child may recognise their own things at home but not at preschool, and so as to avoid upset with identical items.

  Suitable footwear should be worn - Shoes that do up with Velcro are easier for a child to put on and laces often come undone and cause a trip hazard. It is recommended that enclosed shoes are worn to protect toes. Crocs and flip flops are unsafe and should not be worn.

  During hot weather please ensure you apply sun cream to your child before they come to preschool and provide a (labelled) sun hat as we will make the most of the nice weather!

• When should my child not attend preschool?

  When a child is unwell, the best place for them to be is at home with an adult as they will be unable to cope with the mornings activities and if the illness is contagious it will put others at risk. If your child has suffered from a bout of diarrhoea or vomiting they should not attend the preschool for at least 48 hours after the last attack to prevent spread of the infection. In the case of contagious illnesses e.g. chickenpox, conjunctivitis etc, a child should not attend the preschool until they are no longer contagious.

  Please could you telephone to inform us if your child will not be attending due to illness.

• How can I be involved in my child's time with you?

  Your child's key person will involve you in making an individual curriculum for your child's development through regular meetings and conversations with you. If you wish to be involved more we have a fund raising committee which you would be welcome to join. This meets about once a term and plans events like the summer and Christmas fairs. They also organise some social events so if you don't want to join the committee you can just come along, have fun and make some new friends.

  We have a skills register for parents to help in the group by reading stories to the children, helping with computer skills and any other activities in which they could help. If you have a job that may be of interest to the children such as the emergency services we would love you to talk to the children about it, or if you play a musical instrument then you could accompany us during music time!

  We welcome any suggestions that you may have for improvement and a suggestions box can be found on the desk in the main hall as you enter - alternatively please feel free to speak to a member of staff. We periodically ask parents to complete a feedback questionnaire to ensure we are meeting Parents requirements.